Surname Newsum - Meaning and Origin
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Newsum: What does the surname Newsum mean?
The surname Newsum is of Anglo-Saxon origin deriving from a nickname which means "good friend" from the Middle English words “neowe,” meaning "new," and “sum,” meaning "friend." Therefore, it could have been given to someone who was a newcomer to a place and quickly became a treasured companion. As surnames evolved, they often stood for a distinguishing characteristic or trait of the initial bearer. In this case, the surname Newsum could also denote someone who was innovative or refreshing – a “new” man so to speak. This surname is quite rare and is mostly found in the United States and England. Like many surnames, variations in spelling can exist, including Newsam, Neusom, Nusum, and others. Interpretations of the surname's meaning can vary based upon regional language differences and translation.
Order DNA origin analysisNewsum: Where does the name Newsum come from?
The last name Newsum is not particularly common today. It is more predominant in the United Kingdom, with an estimated 123 people in the UK bearing the name Newsum. The vast majority of these people live in the southern region of England with some living in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In the USA, an estimated 37 people hold the surname, with most of them living in the states of Texas and Missouri. Newsum is also thought to be a variant of the Irish name Naish, a family name stemming from when Anglo-Saxon settlers mixed with the Pre-Celtic settlers.
The Newsum name is also thought to be derived from the Old English word hnut, which means ‘nut’. Another suggested origin of the surname is from the Hebrew name Benyamin (son of my right hand), a name given to the youngest son of Jacob in the Bible. It is suggested that this name may have mutated into Nesan, and then finally Newsum.
Today, the Newsum family and its descendants are scattered across the four corners of the globe, with several families residing in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. As the surname is comparatively rare, it is likely that people with the same last name will be related to one another, making for a unique bond that has been maintained and cherished throughout the generations.
Variations of the surname Newsum
Newsum is one of the many surnames of English origin which is derived from northern Middle English elements. Variants of this surname include Newsome, Newthum, Newmom, Newman, and Newsam.
The name Newsum is believed to be derived from a variety of different origins. In some cases, the name Newsum may have been derived from the Old English word for ‘a new house’. Alternatively, some believe that the name Newsum as a surname may have originated from the Old English word for ‘news’, or possibly ‘new arrival’, making it both a descriptive and locational surname.
It is likely that a great many families who adopt the surname Newsum will have distant relatives who changed the spelling of the name, adopting a new variant, for a variety of different reasons. This could include the need to distinguish themselves from other families of the same name, or perhaps circumstances which compelled them to change the spelling of their surname, in order to create a more suitable identity for themselves.
Additional variants of the surname Newsum recorded in the English language include Newson, Newshomme, Newsham, Newshom, and Newsham. It is likely that many more variants exist for this surname, as it is a surname which has been evolving over many centuries. It is quite possible that many of the variants recorded in the English language have their roots in other European languages.
Famous people with the name Newsum
- Tupac Shakur Newsum: Former professional basketballer, who gained his nickname ‘Tupac’ from his grandfather, who was a leader in their religion, the Nation of Gods and Earths.
- John Newsum: Former professional rugby league player, who played for teams such as the Warrington Wolves and Hull Kingston Rovers in the England Rugby League.
- Bill Newsum: Professional golfer and one of the most lauded players of his generation, having won European and U.S. Tour events, including the U.S. Open in 1951.
- James Newsum: Social media and entertainment star, famous for his Return of the Jedi-inspired rap videos, which garnered millions of views on YouTube and were featured in numerous media outlets.
- Shanna Newsum: Actress and musician, who starred in films such as Stranger Things and Dreamworks’ animated films, and produced numerous popular musical releases.
- Ray Newsum: Singer and songwriter, responsible for multiple popular singles, including the chart-topping hit ‘Who Will Save the World?’
- Wilbur Newsum: Actor, known for his roles in Resistance Against the Master, The Righteous and the Damned, and Black Dynamite.
- Joe Newsum: Former professional American football player, who played for teams such as the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots in the National Football League.
- Jordan Newsum: Professional basketball player, having become the first player from China to ever be recruited by an American college for the sport.
- Holly Newsum: Fitness influencer, vlogger, and author, who has written several fitness and wellness books, and regularly posts workout routines on her social media platforms.